When I started this journey September, 2008, I was starting a new phase of my life. I had re-married in August, turned 50 in September and lost my mom in November. A big year indeed covering all spectrums of emotions.

However, through it all, I have managed to stay focused on my journey to a better and healthier life. I continue to use the tools provided by Sparkpeople in learning to manage my diet and track my fitness and to talk to others on the same journey experiencing the ...

When I started this journey September, 2008, I was starting a new phase of my life. I had re-married in August, turned 50 in September and lost my mom in November. A big year indeed covering all spectrums of emotions.

However, through it all, I have managed to stay focused on my journey to a better and healthier life. I continue to use the tools provided by Sparkpeople in learning to manage my diet and track my fitness and to talk to others on the same journey experiencing the same trials and tribulations. It does help to know you're not alone when trying to keep focused and reach your goals.

Over the past several months, I've learned a lot about myself of what I am and am not willing to settle for. I am finding exercise to be a VERY important part of my life and when I can't do what I set out to for the day, I feel it and strive to get back on track immediately. It is almost addictive - a good addiction I might add. I enjoy walking and challenging myself counting steps and seeing how much I can do. I have met others who have introduced me to racewalking and I hope to work on this as it does require a lot of focus to keep the proper form so you don't get disqualified. I competed in my first race in April, 2009, and didn't get disqualified OR come in last. The other thing that motivated me were two lovely ladies I met. One 79 and one 84 who took up the sport in their 60's after losing their spouses. They thought their lives were over and instead, it gave them a new life. One of happiness and joy and both are healthy and on no form of maintenance medications. I know I want to be like them when I get to that age. Yet another incentive.

I have made goal weight but continue to deal with daily fluctuations. I think this is normal for most women so will try to lose a pound or two more so that fluctuation can we on the low end and my top end will be 'goal' weight. Feasible I think.

Thank you to all that have joined me on this journey over the past year or so. I enjoy meeting and cheering others on as well and reading the journies of others. Most amazing indeed and thank you to Sparkguy for making all of this possible for so many of us.

UPDATE: Today is 12/31/09. I've been on this journey since 9/2/08 and am at goal. I am also proud to say I have been diet coke free for 9 full months. That was a biggie for me. Plus, I became a grandma (a/k/a Busia) on 12/20/09. What a wonderful feeling indeed.

UPDATE: On 3/31/10, I changed my ticker to reflect my maintenance range. I met goal back in September, 2009 and have been 'fluctuating' a few lbs during the course of the month since. Not unusual at all.

Now my focus, rather than the number on the scale, is my fitness and level of fitness. I plan to tone and strengthen my body. If more weight falls off so be it but I'm not trying to 'lose' like I was. I've already been told I look TOO thin but I disagree. I feel good where I'm at so will focus on new things and make different goals.

UPDATE: On 12/29/11. Well the year is nearly over and a tough one of sorts for me in many ways but I'm feeling the spark returning. Yep, feel I've lost a bit of its brightness over the past year. My weight is up I'm sorry to say and I'm reflecting it on the old ticker. I'm not giving up but instead regrouping and going to get busy gettin busy. I felt so much better when I was in control of things and why I let other things get in my way and reak havoc on me I don't yet understand. I do know that the ONLY thing I have control over is ME so why do I let other things effect me so? This is still a mystery but know I am not alone. Instead of pondering it and continue to flounder, I'm gonna focus on ME and just do it each and every day. I gotta get my mojo back and return to that feeling I had when I was on top of things. So for those of you who understand and/or know me, I appreciate your support and encouragement and mostly your friendship. Spark has been a blessing in oh so many ways. Now on to making my goals!!

Update: 12/31/14 Well here we are at the end of another year. The year ahead holds many challenges for me but I've decided I need to focus on the one thing I have control over and that is ME! I need to work harder on taking better care of myself both physically and mentally so that is the plan for the new year. I intend to work harder on my weight loss goals and just overall better health. I'm sad that my weight is up and no one to blame but me so now to take control and get back in the saddle. With the spark friends both old and new, I have no doubt I WILL be successful. Wishing you all a renewed sense of "I CAN DO IT" for 2015!

Personal Information:
My name is Louise (a/k/a Weezie) and I'm from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am married to a great guy and our four children are grown. I have two wonderful sons and a daughter-in-law. I also got a lovely step-daughter and step-son with this marriage. I also welcomed my first grandchild, Ava, into the world 12/20/09. UPDATE: On 3/10/11, welcomed my first grandson into the world, Kellan Michael. 11/10/11, welcomed granddaguther Mya to the world.

Other Information:
Make no excuses - you are the only one in control of the outcomes in your life.

There is no THEN, there is only NOW!!!

When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future. When I am depressed it is because I am living in the past.

Change is inevitable - embrace it!!!

What we think about ourselves becomes the truth. We create our experiences by our thoughts and feelings. How we view the world determines what we get.